CoronaVirus – How should we handle this in our salons?

CoronaVirus – how should we handle this within our salons? Protect yourself, employees, and clients from getting sick and shutting down business.

The newest updates regarding the feared Coronavirus, can be difficult to sypher through – the facts vs. the conspiracy theories. This we know for certain:

There continues to be several new cases around the world daily.

The severity can depend on your age and the strength, or weakness, of your immune system.

It’s important to use common sense as much as possible which includes washing your hands; not touching your nose, eyes, or mouth; avoiding big groups of people; pausing the shaking of hands; and staying at home should you feel as though you’re developing flu-like symptoms.

CoronaVirus – how should we handle this within our salons?

Nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to this new virus and until there is a known cure, we as individuals need to do our very best to avoid it. How do we balance these precautions with our business?

Good news – not all impacts on businesses have to be negative! For example, at NOVA Salons, we have been pro-active by communicating directly with our clients. We have sent an email to our entire data base where we explain how seriously we look at protecting the health of our clients as well as our salon team. Putting emphasis on the fact that we practice top-notch sanitation and cleanliness at NOVA Salons which includes washing our hands in-between clients, increasing our hand sanitation placement, etc. Signs have been placed in all restrooms stating, “Out with germs, in with love”, encouraging our clients to wash their hands. It continues with the statement, “then look in the mirror and smile at your beautiful self”. This message is written to make the client feel comfortable about a frightening topic. These are practices that we have always taken very seriously, and simply reaffirming that publicly with our clients has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Another consideration is the relationship between the leaders/managers of organizations and their teams. These leaders/managers also experience increased levels of anxiety during times like these. How they effectively deal with that in the eyes of their team is incredibly important. This is the increased challenge of leaders and managers of organizations. They have to control their anxiety to the best of their ability – so it doesn’t spill over and create additional unneeded anxiety to the rest of their teams and clients.

CoronaVirus – how should we handle this within our salons?

The most important thing in our particular situation is to stay calm and plan ahead. We highly encourage everyone to think through all the aspects (both good and bad) and look for ways to be better for your people, your business, and your community going forward. We are all connected.

Here is the email that was sent to all NOVA Salons’ clients as an example:

As you all have heard, the coronavirus has begun to spread. We take the health and safety of our clients and employees very seriously.

For your comfort: We practice top-notch sanitation and cleanliness at NOVA Salon. Always have, and always will! We wash our hands between clients.

To protect you: We are increasing our hand sanitation stations as you arrive. We love you and your family, and we love hugs and handshakes! At this time we completely understand if you choose not to engage in a handshake or hug. We still love you!

We ask if you are feeling ill to please reschedule – take care of yourself and your family. This protects our staff and all our lovely clients.

As a reminder:

Wash your hands frequently.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Don’t share food or drinks.

Stay at least three feet away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.